The Greenville News from Greenville, South Carolina • Page 1

wPii1ltllil 1 THE WEATHER Fair Wednesday and Thursday; change in temperature. NEWS WANT ADS. rhone 22 They Bring Results. By Mall or Carrier $7.00 per annum daily anil Sunday. By Mail or Carrier 8 per -uinuta without Sunday.

VOL. NO. 87 GREENVILLE, S. WEDNESDAY MORNING, MARCH 27, 1918 KA4 ft i 0 i i iH sUl tMi Ft j'i 'i GREAT PARADE FOR LIBERTY TO BEGIN AT 2:30 THURSDAY COUMTER GREAT HUN OFFENSIVE TURNING POINT OF BIG BATTLE NEAR, OFFICERS BELIEVE SHOW OF LOSING MOMENTUM British and French Met Attacks Doggedly explosions mm rain mm Americans, British And French Fight Together LONDON, March 26. The war office tonight announced that the Germans took Roye at 10:30 o'clock this morning.

The enemy has been checked west of Roye and Noyon, the announcement adds. In the Roye area, British, French and American troops are fighting shoulder to shoulder, the official announcement states. French reinforcements are rapidly coming up. "The enemy made no further attacks during the night of March 25-26 on our front north of the Somme the announcement says. "During the Attention Is Now Becoming Directed to French Front, Where Allies May Strike AMERICANS REPORTED FIGHTING WITH BRITISH It Is Not Believed That Great Allied Reserve Has Yet Been Used in Battle WASHINGTON, March 26.

An air of expectancy was apparent tonight among American and other military officials here who are following most closely the developments of the battle in France. They appeared to feel that a turning point in the terrific struggle was close at hand. Press reports from the British front hinted at the same feeling there. For the people of the United States the announcement by the British authorities that American troops are fighting side by side with French and British defenders brings the battle closer home. War department officials had no word from General Pershing on the subject, but wert expecting at any moment reports showing the extent of American participation.

Attention centers here now on the French front rather than on tnt progress made by the Germans nigulnst the British lines. As the battle proceeds officers here are becoming more certain that the defenders are carrying out a definite plan of which the British withdrawal is a part, but which will prove soon to be coupled with powerful counter-thrusts. Until General Pershing reports as to the American forces engaged no one here will hazard a guess concerning the part they are playing. American heavy artillery has been training in England and the men are familiar with British great guns. They may be reaching the front with (Continued on Page Two) afternoon there have been local engagements on this part of the battle-front in which the enemy has been repulsed, but he has attempted no serious attack.

"The line north of the Somme now runs: "Bray, Albert, Beaumont Hamel, Pueisseux, Ayette, Boiry, Henin, Wancourt, just west of Monchy to the Scarpe, and thence along our original front. "The Germans have been attacking heavily south of the Somme this morning and took Roye at 10:30 a.m." PRICE FIVE CENTS TO German Dent Into British Lines Beginning to Resemble Familiar Wedge EFFORTS TO WIDEN WEDGE WERE DEFEATED Official Reports From British Confirm Report That Americans Are in Battle HUNS CSING UP RESERVES I IOJYDOX, March 20-Tele- graphirg lato on Tuesday the correspondent of The Daily Mail, at British headquarters hi France, says that nearly two-thirds of the entire strategic re-servo of the Gorman army now have been thrown Into the fierce and vigorously continued attack. "This German reserve," he adds, "consisted of 85 divisions, totaling 1,175,000, out of a total number now reaching not far short of 200 divisions, or possibly 3,000,000 men, which they have upon the western front. After the first day 38 of these divisions were put into the battle. Chi the third day another 21 are known to have taken part.

Since that they must have drawn upon the reserve for a few more divisions. "It is therefore, clear that we have been struggling with the whole available strength of the German army, ami the marvel is that our soldiers have held out so obstinately and steadily against odds jo heavily against them." After six days of terrific fighting, the German offensive in France is beginning to show signs losing its momentum. The progress of the enemy has materially slackened and the form of the dent made in the allied line west of Cambrai has begun to resemble the familiar wedge-like salient, instead of the broad straight forward movement of an offensive which carries all before it. At its apex this wedge has gone beyond Albert, to the south of that place, and is to the westward of the old allied line as it stood a year ago, when von Hindenburg began his "strategic" retreat. From this point the line runs off to the northeast at a gentle angle, with the line to the south running back until It reaches the Oisse river.

In spite of tremendous exertions and terrible losses, the German efforts to widen the tip of this salient were defeated on Tuesday. The British lines have stood firm to the north and have forced the Germans to turn southward toward the point of least resistance. Official statements issued at London confirm the report from Berlin that American forces are engaged in the struggle. They are reported aa "fighting shoulder to shoulder" with the French and British In the region of Royn on the southern side of the salient driven Into the allied front. There has been no official report to Washington as to the identity of these troops who are talcing part in this greatest battle In history.

With the slackening of the German peace there come Indications that the allies are ready to strike 'back somewhere along the front. Just where this blow will be launched will not he (Continued on Page Two) Greenville Gaily News Circulat Mar. 2618 City .3,003 Suburban 5,689 (In SO-mlle radius) Country 1253 Net paid Service Unpaid Total 10,281 Tills doff not Include the circulation of tho Semi-Weekly in any way. 9,945 52 284 BEGINS Excellent Results Obtained By Pershing's Men Against Positions of Boches SHARPSHOOTERS SPOIL FRITZ'S SPRING SUIT With American Army in France, March 26. (By The Associated Press) The American artillery continues to heavily shell towns held by i the Germans and German batteries opposite thhe Toul sector with gas.

The Germans themselves have reciprocated In kind, but the doses of gas sent against them by tho Americans has been twice as large as they have received. Tho town of Kichccourt, north of Xivray, one of the targets of the Americans, has been abond ni ed so far as American patrols, which reconnoitered near the town, were able to determine. The American artillery also Is keeping up a stream of other shells on enemy positions in this region. St. Baussant, northeast of Richecourt has been heavily shelled with high explosive projectiles, while German first Une trenches repeatedly have been hit and leveled and enemy dug.

outs and snipers' posts completely silenced. "Fritz," or "Billy Boche," as the American doughboys are beginning to call tho Germas, Is a persistent sniper on this sector. As fast as the Americans silence one nest another slarts the annoyance and then the Job has to be done all over again. This forenoon a group of American snipers discovered an enemy nest close by and promptly opened fire on It. The Germans replied with their rifles and then fired about three doaen or so grenades.

Apparently, the Germans had come to stay and (Continued On Page Two) AMIUS SHELL GERMANS WITH GAS WASHINGTON, March 26. No word had come to the war department from General Pershing late today concerning participation of the American troops in the great battle. Major General March, acting chief -of -staff, announced that General Pershing's dispatches today reported on the fighting up to last night and corresponded in detail to The Associated Press dispatches. SIGNS back in these places formed a salient from which the Allies were forced to withdraw, leaving Nesle in the hands of the enemy. Heavy lighting todaf in this section was forecast by the appearance of new masses of troops which the Germans brought up, ready for another push.

The righting on Sunday and Monday in the neighborhood of Ervillers was most bitter. Throughout Sunday night and the early hours Monday the Germans kept pressing against the stubbornly contending British, who fought with such desperation against overwhelming odds that they repelled the onrushing infantry. After a breathing spell in the early morning the Germans again made a heavy assault between Ervillers and Gomiecourt and were caught in the British artillery barrage and crushed. A little later the enemy advanced once more and stormed the position with such ferocity that it was feared Ervillers must go. Fresh British, troops were sent up and carried out an immediate counter attack, relieving the situation.

The enemy, finding the road barred through this place, began hammering hard below Gomiecourt, in the region of Sapignies. The British line south of this place had already swung back to the west, and finally it became apparent that it would be policy to withdraw from Ervillers, Gomiecourt and Sapignies and straighten out the front. This was done during the night, the withdrawal being effected in good order. Official War Statements IIAIG'S NIGHT REPORT LONDON, March 26. The battle continues on the whole front south of the Somme river, Field Marshal Haig reports from the war zone in France tonight.

The 'Germans have also launched new attacks around Chaulnes. The statement says: 'Worth of the Somme local fighting has taken place at different points. Much movement of hostile troops and transport has been observed in the battle area and these have been engaged by our artillery aid airplanes. "South of the Somme the hostile attacks reported this morning have been pressed vigorously with fresh German divisions against the Noyon and Roye. ''This afternoon new hostile attacks commenced in the neighborhood of Chaulnes and between Chaulnes and the Somme, to the north of it.

The battle is continuing on the whole front south of the Somme. "In the last six days of constant fighting our troops on all parts of the battle front have shown the utmost courage." French Statement PARIS, March 26. The' French troops co-operating with the British south of St. Quentin have taken up strong positions on the left bank of the Oise, before Noyon, where they are holding the Germans, according to the war office announcement tonight. The text of the statement reads: "Our troops are holding solidly to their positions on the left bank of the Oise before Noyon.

The fighting continues with undiminished violence along the front comprising Brave-Sur-Somme, Chaulnes, Roye and Noyon. "There is nothing to report from the rest of the front. "Eastern Theatre, March 25. Artillery actions occurred In the region of Vetrtnik, Dobropolje and west of Monastir. French aviators successfully bombarded enemy encampments in the Sermenll valley, northwest of Glevgheli." Aerial Operations LONDON, March 26.

An official statement of the aerial operations tonight s.uys "On Monday our airplanes were reported massed In the areas behind the battle-front and In attacking them with machine gun Are from low heights. Twenty-two tons of bombs were dropping In this work and over 100,000 rounds were fired from the machine guns. (Continued on Page Two) 18,300 SOLDIERS MARCH IN GREAT LIBERTY PARADE WITH THE BRITISH ARMY (France, March 26. (By the Associated Press) The Germans today followed up their progress of yesterday at Nesle on the southern battle front by launching a terrific assault against the British along a line running, roughly, between Hattencourt and the region of Roye. The British, cooperating with their French allies, were meeting the onslaughter doggedly and gallantly, and a sanguinary struggle was in progress this afternoon.

Farther north the enemy also developed a fresh offensive movement to the south of Suzanne, which lies a little northeast of Bray-'Sur-Somme. But the Germans were pushing with less strength here than in the southern theatre, possibly for strategical reasons. These two sectors were the scene of most important operations today although fighting wfs in progress along the whole great battle front. In the northern sector, about Achia-Le-Grand, Logeast wood and northward, where such desperate fighting was waged yesterday, the Germans had not renewed their attacks in strength at a late hour this forenoon. The Allies today probably were In better condition to contest the German advance than they had been since the beginning of the offensive.

The capture of Nesle yesterday by the was achieved after heavy fighting over a considerable front. The Germans advanced in strength both north and south of the town and by pressing the defending lines MADE TO KISS FLAG An Ohio Vigilance Committee Waits Upon Four Alleged Pro-German Citizens OTHERS BEING ROUNDED UP LIME, March 26 Four more alleged pro-Germans of Delphos, neai here, took the oath of allegiance tonight, saluted the Stars and Stripes, and kissed the banner, by order of the Delphos vigilance committee, organized to rund up all suspected anti-Americans in this community. Carl Jettinger, editor of the DelpTios Herald, who escaped last night while the committee was rounding up other citizens of German descent, has not yet been located. The committee threatens violence to him when caught. More than 1,000 persons joined in the demonstration tonieht.

Tonight's victims included Jamb TfT errocer-man, who escaped the crowd last night. Marx with Peter Metsker and son, John Metsker, and Clem Simm-rimmelsingcr, were placed on a truck in the public sauare. There Dr. E. B.

Durnett, Delphos physician, read to them the oath of allegiance and the crowd forced the men to repeat it i nder threat of immediate death. Then each was required to salute and kiss the flag. Marx was given a huge flag, nails and hammer, and ordered to spike the banner to his home. One member of the vigilance committee was injured at the Metsker home when Katherine Metsker, aged 24, daughter of Peter Metsker, attacked him with a club. The committee tonight announced that she will be brought in with the third lot of suspects tomorrow night, and forced to kiss and salute the flat in the public square.

APPEALS FOR GUNS (LONDON, March 26. An appeal was made today by the minister of munitions Winston spencer Churchill to the effect that a special effort must be made to repair promptly the 'serious loss in guns, machine guns and ammunition resulting from tho 'battle now in program PHD 1 Series of Unexplained Explosions Causes Loss of in New York RIGID INVESTIGATION BEING MADE BY OFFICERS NEW YORK, March 26. Fire following a series of unexplained explo sions destroyed the six-story building of the Jarvis Warehouse Company, near the Erie railroad terminal in Jersey City late today and badly damaged the Erie repair shops. No loss of life had been reported tonight. The material damage was estimated by Jersey City policemen and fire officials at close to $1,500,000.

The goods stored in the warehouse said to have included a quantity of chemicals, were a total loss. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, though a rigid investigation was begun at once by federal, state and city authorities. The first of the terrific detonations, which occurred shortly after 3 o'clock shook windows in downtown Manhattan and caused considerable alarm. Burning cinders, which arose in heavy clouds of black smoke, were carried by the winds across the North River and fell along the water front. While the excitement was at its height the Erie ferry nouse, on the New York side of the river, was discovered to be on fire.

A lighter close by loaded with several hundred bales of cotton, also was blazing fiercely and still further south, the Hoboken (Continued on Page Two) (MALI Twelve Deaths, One Severely Wounded and Ten Slightly Wounded on List WASHINGTON. D. March 26. Twenty three names on today's list of casualties among the American expeditionary forces Include those of two men killed in action; three died of accident; seven died of dis-sease, one severely wounded and ten slightly wounded. Major Geneorge J.

Lawrence and Timothy J. Moynahan and Lieut. Geo F. Patton were among the slightly wounded. The list follows: Killed In Action Privates Dewey Mlnter, William K.

Noal. Died of Accident: Corporal Albeit Mlder, Privates George C. Gray, Wilbur Christian. Wounded Slightly: Majors George J. Lawrence, Timothy J.

Moynahan. Lieutenant George F. Patton. Sergeant Wnrren W. Lokker.

Cook Kazlmles Clehanowich. Privates Kverett G. Guion, David B. Pollock, Harry F. Weidman, Tony Wlsnlski, Jamas J.

Wyatt. Died of Disease: Sergeant Vincent. Ceppus Hagood. Corporals Lynn Odell, Rosa F. Shel-ton.

Privates George Arnett, Ole Beck, Rimer Mathews Byerly, Philip C. Smith. Wounded Rcvnrelys Private (Edward Dlttmau. SIN PERSHING 1 GET U.S. CROSS Distinguished Service Cross Presented to Two Officers With Pershing's Men AMERICAN OFFICERS ALSO GET THE CROSS WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY, In France, March 26.

(By the Associated Press) The honor of being the first men outside the American service to receive the distinguished service cross hns fallen upon two French officers Major Jacques Cor-baron, of the French mission attached to the American forces which were north of Luneville, and Lieut. De La Glgles of the French artillery. Both officers gave assistance to the American troops when they were under heavy fire. The distinguished service cross has also been awarded to the following Americans: Colonel Douglas MacArthur, Col. George 12.

Leach, Lieut Col. Wm. A Donahue, Capt. Thos. H.

Handy, Capt. Philip J. MoCauley, First Lieut. W. E.

Word, Capt. Charles J. Casey, Capt. Lloyd C. Ross, Captain Richard Smith, First Lieut.

J. K. Rosenwald of the medical corps. All these officers distinguished themselves In the fighting on the Luneville sector. General Pershing has sent a special message to the next of kin of medical Sergt.

Peterson, who was, wounded in action March 5 and who died later. Notwithstanding his wound Peterson supervised the care of wounded brought to tho dressing station. The cross was awarded him for hts devotion to duty. Major Cobaron participated In an assault on an enemy position March 9, In the salient of Du Fexs, which (Continued on Page Two) Parade Will Begin at 2:30 Immense Crowd Will Line Streets of City EVERYBODY BRING FLAG Powerful Addresses Reviewing Stand at Park Street School Great Day It was announced yesterday (by the general committeo which will conduct the campaign for the Third Liberty lioan In Greenville county, that the total number of soldiera which will march in the monster parade Thursday will be 18,500. Indications point to its being the most magnificent spectacle of its kind ever seen In this section of the coun-'try.

The majority of the men In uniform who will take part in the parade have seen several months of Intensive training and are in the pink of condition ready, in fact, to take their places and hold them before the invading Hun hordes which are now trying, without success, to break the stout line of the liritlsh on the battlefields of France. The parade will be led by Brigadier General I D. Tyson, commander of the Fifty-ninth Infantry brigade. He will be accompanied by his staff officers and the general and his aides will be mounted. At the head of each regiment will be its officers, together with the crack mlllltary bands of each.

Color bearers will keep tho lied, While and Blue floating In tho breeze from the beginning of the parade to the end. The time for tho beginning of the parade has been changed by tho committee from two o'clock Thursday afternoon to 2.30. Thoso who expect to witness the parade are requested to note this change. It Is very likely that, owing to the thou-(Continued on l'aire Two).